There are many terms which cover "disc problems". From a simple disc bulge, to a herniated or prolapsed disc and degenerative disc disease. As our name suggests, at Spinex Disc Clinic we are passionate about discs. The clinic was the first UK clinic to be set up with its prime focus to help people with disc problems. When it comes to disc problems, it's at the heart of what we do.
The terminology surrounding discs can be confusing as even experts use different terms for the same thing.
A disc bulge occurs where the inner core of a spinal (intervertebral) disc presses out against the disc wall. Rather like an underinflated tyre on a bicycle which bulges outwards, a disc bulge can press on to spinal nerves or, as it loses some height and load bearing properties, it can cause other structures to take more strain.
This can be supporting muscles having to work harder for longer or the bones of the vertebrae taking more load (facet joints) and becoming inflamed. The result can be pain in the back or if nerves are affected, pain down the arms or legs depending where the disc is.
A herniated disc or prolapsed disc refers to a situation where the centre of the disc passes through the disc wall. This can be from impact or the end result of gradual weakening of the disc wall where a twisting or bending movement causes just too much pressure to be exerted on the wall and the disc wall herniates and the central nucleus material passes through.
The centre of the disc or (nucleus pulposus) is a toothpase like consistency made mainly of water. As we age or, from over stressing, the water content in the disc is lowered. This dehydration causes the disc to lose its shock absorbing properties as well as some height. The result is pressure on other structures which must carry more of the load than they were designed to take.
There are other terms but these are the principal ones we see in clinic. We can all have disc bulges which cause no pain and in most cases a disc problem will resolve itself. The body’s natural healing mechanism takes care of things, but key to that process is movement.
When a disc bulge or herniation affects nerves whether through pressure or inflammation, the result is pain. The body reacts by sending the supporting muscles into spasm as a guarding response to prevent further movement and the risk of further injury.
Pain is an excellent way to stop us moving but it doesn’t help when what we we need to do is get moving again!
It is vital to remember that whilst a small movement can be all it takes to cause a disc to bulge, the herniated disc injury is often the result of a weakness built up over (a long) time.
The classic story of pain being connected with a trivial event is when people say “I leant over to pick up a pencil and BANG!”
Of course sudden overloading can cause a serious injury but most disc herniations we see at Spinex are usually the result of long term compression and immobility.
The good news is, the body will deal with most disc herniations over time, the bad news is, sometimes it can be very difficult for the body to get started.
At Spinex, we have manual therapy for disc problems and IDD Therapy for bulging and herniated discs which have not responded to manual therapy.
Whether in the neck or lower back, our 100% non-invasive programmes help us deal with your pain and address the underlying causes.
If you are worried about a disc problem, let us put your mind at ease. If you would like to see or talk to us, there are two options for you:
Thank you for considering Spinex Disc Clinic
Anthony, London
Spinex Disc Clinic was set up in May 2014. It is the first clinic in London and the UK specialising in the treatment of disc problems with the use of IDD Therapy.
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